Dogs, fun and lovable as they are, can also be odd creatures. Our canine pals have some interesting behaviors. We’re here to help you decode five of the most common ones.
Buries Bones and Other Objects: You can go ahead and blame wolves and other wild canine ancestors for all the holes in your yard filled with treats, toys, and other treasured objects. In the wild, a wolf may not know when their next substantial meal is coming, so they’ll bury the prey or prized food item and dig it up later when they need to eat. Similarly, your dog may place a high value on a treat or toy and decide that they need to hide it so they can enjoy it later.
Leans on You: Some dog owners can hardly sit or stand without their canines leaning against their legs or standing on their feet. You may have heard that this behavior is a sign that your dog is trying to dominate you with their weight, but that’s merely a myth. Leaning is actually a sign of affection for many dogs. It’s a way for your pup to cuddle and get attention from their favorite human. So next time your pup leans on your legs, smile and show them some love.
Kicks Grass After Pooping: Your dog isn’t intentionally destroying your lawn when they kick the grass after pooping. They are probably just trying to cover up their mess. They also could be marking their territory. Dogs have glands in their feet that secrete hormones, and a few kicks can help release those chemicals. Still, if you want your yard to be in better shape, try walking them somewhere else to go potty.
Shreds Paper: Ever come home to find a room covered in toilet paper confetti? Has your dog actually eaten your homework for real? Well, you’ve got a canine paper shredder on your hands. And the reason all your favorite paperbacks are ruined is simple: Shredding paper can be fun. Some dogs just enjoy the feeling of tearing something up with their mouths. After all, in the wild, dogs often tear up their prey. Beyond the fact that cleaning up this sort of mess gets old really fast, this behavior can actually be dangerous. Dogs who swallow paper can have digestive issues, and ingesting too much paper can cause intestinal blockage. So keep paper products out of your dog’s reach and redirect the behavior by giving them a toy to chew on, like a stuffed Kong or food puzzle.
Twitches in Their Sleep: Your dog is sound asleep, but they start moving their legs and perhaps barks a little bit. What gives? Are they chasing something in their dreams? Actually, yes, they might be doing exactly that. Just like humans, dogs dream and go through different stages of sleep. Animal experts think that dogs dream during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage and act on their dreams by moving their paws or twitching as if they were chasing a squirrel. For unknown reasons, puppies and senior dogs seem to exhibit this behavior more than adult dogs. While it can be startling to see your dog moving in their sleep, it’s usually nothing to worry about. If you want to wake them, gently call their name — or better yet, just let them sleep.
Is your canine companion exhibiting any strange behavior? Schedule an appointment with us.